JAKARTA – Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto expressed hope that the Integrated Green Economy and Food Self-Sufficiency Program (Swasembada Ekonomi Hijau dan Pangan Terintegrasi / SEHATI) will serve as a concrete step to accelerate the upgrading of village development statuses, particularly across regions classified as Developing Villages (Desa Berkembang) and Advanced Villages (Desa Maju).

According to Minister Yandri, driving transformation in rural areas cannot be achieved through rhetoric and promises alone; it demands tangible action, measurable programs, and direct development interventions that profoundly impact rural communities.

"We cannot rely on words alone. There must be concrete action. Therefore, the SEHATI program is expected to genuinely transform the face of our villages, focusing primarily on Developing Villages and Advanced Villages," Minister Yandri explained during his directive at a coordination meeting between Kemendes PDT and Bappenas in Jakarta on Monday (November 9, 2026).

Furthermore, Minister Yandri commended the practical collaboration between Kemendes PDT and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, highlighting their strong synergy in supporting rural development initiatives.

He emphasized that cross-ministerial cooperation and shared commitment form an essential foundation to ensure that every policy and program runs harmoniously, remains targeted, and delivers tangible benefits to rural populations.

This appreciation also reflects recognition of the dedication, coordination, and contributions of all personnel in forging a unified vision to accelerate rural development and empower disadvantaged regions.

Through this program, villages are expected to optimize local potentials, strengthen community capacity, and sustainably enhance the quality of development in a structured manner.

"First and foremost, I want to express my appreciation to the entire team for their tireless efforts—working day and night to ensure this program remains on track. Remaining on track means that every phase, from planning to evaluation, must be executed comprehensively," he elaborated.

Minister Yandri added that through the 6th Asta Cita pillar, the government remains firmly committed to reinforcing development from villages and peripheral regions, expanding equitable economic opportunities, and ensuring that the fruits of economic growth are shared across all layers of society.

"The reason why I maintain such deep focus on the SEHATI program is that, for the first time, we have the 6th Asta Cita pillar mandating us to build from the villages. Building from the villages is truly comprehensive because it encapsulates two core mandates: economic equity coupled with poverty eradication," he concluded.

Dignitaries attending the meeting included Secretary of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Teni Widuriyanti and Director General of Village Government Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs Bernhard E. Rondonuwu.

Accompanying Minister Yandri were Secretary-General of Kemendes PDT Taufik Madjid, Director General of Economic Development and Investment Tabrani, Head of the Information Development Agency Mulyadin Malik, Inspector General of Kemendes PDT Masyhudi, and Special Staff to the Minister M. Fahad At-Tamimi.

Photo: Sigit/Kemendes PDT 
Author: Dayat/Kemendes PDT